THE WANGLER FAMILY: Living Out the Stewardship Vision

When Patti Wangler’s grandson was preparing to receive his First Holy Communion, she was right there at his side.

“I was his ‘secret prayer partner,’” she says. “At one point, he told me his prayer partner had been giving him Catholic books, and I couldn’t tell him it was me! I know he really enjoyed reading those books because his dad told me how appreciative and surprised he was when he received them. He was so happy with the religious trinkets I would give to him. I have also served as a prayer partner for other children over the years to help them keep Jesus in their life, and I would definitely do it again!”

Amazingly, this beautiful little story highlights just one of many ways that Patti and her husband, Al, live out the stewardship vision in their family and beyond. Day by day, they strive to embrace their vocation as Catholic parents of four and grandparents of seven (with another grandchild on the way). For example, whenever they have their grandchildren over for a meal, they make sure to invite Christ to the table as well.

“It is important to both of us that we teach our children and grandchildren to pray Grace Before Meals,” Patti says. “They know we never eat without praying first. We look at the Last Supper picture as we fold our hands and pray. That is how both of us grew up — we never ate a meal without saying grace.”

When Al and Patti’s children were growing up, they worked hard to show them what it means to follow Christ.

“Our children were raised in this parish,” Patti says. “Two of them were even married here, and two are still members here, along with three of our grandchildren. When we were raising our children, we made sure they helped out in the community and at the parish. For example, our oldest son was an altar server, and we made sure that our children helped out with the St. Mary’s Carnival.”

Patti Wangler and her husband, Al, strive to live out stewardship in their family and beyond everyday.

Furthermore, the Wanglers have helped stewardship come to life by being faithful members of our parish for over 40 years. Patti enjoys helping serve funeral luncheons with other ladies from our parish, as well as calling people to bring salads and bars to the meal. She also taught catechism for a couple of years.

“I have truly enjoyed helping out with the luncheons along with the other ladies,” Patti says. “We have a great team! Everyone is so easy to work with.”

Patti is deeply dedicated to prayer as well, which she believes is a true lifeline in today’s world.

“I am on the Ascension Prayer Line, and I also pray the Rosary every day,” she says. “There is such a need for prayer nowadays, and I have witnessed the power of it in my life. The Prayer Line is a great way for anyone to be involved in our parish, especially because it doesn’t necessarily take a lot of time.”

As members of the Hospitality Ministry, Al and Patti have grown close to our parish family in a special way. They appreciate the opportunity to serve as greeters and assist our parish priest and deacon with any needs that may come up before or during Mass.

“I have been a Hospitality Minister for over 30 years, and Patti has been one for about 30 years,” Al says. “I like being active in our parish. It is not that hard to help out. When you get involved, you get to know more people and it gives our parish a parish a friendlier environment overall. We could always use more volunteers to help.”

Lastly, for many years, Al and Patti counted the money placed in the offering plate over the weekend. Al is no longer able to count due to the schedule, but Patti still does.

By serving in various parish ministries, families like the Wanglers not only nurture their own spiritual and social lives but also strive to make our church the loving, joy-filled place that it is.

“When you volunteer, you help out the parish community, as well as your fellow parishioners,” Patti says. “I like that our parish is very friendly, welcoming, and family-oriented. We have belonged to Ascension for so long that we have gotten to know the other parishioners very well, and they have become good friends of ours.”

Patti assists with counting collection money for the parish.